Annual passes-do they begin on the first day you use them or when you purchase them?

[Xtine76]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me when the eligibility begins on the annual passes. (for using them within the next year) Does it start the first day you use them or does it begin when you first purchase them??

 

[tar heel]

If you buy them in advance at the Disney Store or through CRO, you will get vouchers and your passes will not start until you visit a park. If you buy them at any of the parks or at Downtown Disney, they start that day. You get a year plus a day on the pass because if you buy it Jan. 9, it expires at midnight on Jan. 9 the following year.

 

[GoldenOldie]

Actually going through a park turnstile is not required for pass activation. Your AP will start on the day you exchange your voucher or the day you purchase your AP at WDW whether or not you go into the park that day.